9 Ways of Comparing Forest Schools and Nature Preschools That Spark Wonder Outdoors

As parents seek more outdoor-focused education options for their young children, forest schools and nature preschools have emerged as popular alternatives to traditional early learning programs. While both approaches emphasize nature-based learning and outdoor exploration, they follow distinct educational philosophies and teaching methods that set them apart. Understanding these key differences will help you choose the right outdoor education program that aligns with your child’s needs and your family’s values.

Whether you’re drawn to the completely immersive outdoor experience of forest schools or the balanced indoor-outdoor approach of nature preschools, you’ll discover that both models offer unique benefits for early childhood development. These nature-based programs foster independence, creativity and environmental stewardship while helping children develop essential skills through hands-on experiences in the natural world.

Understanding Forest Schools and Nature Preschools: Key Differences

Historical Origins and Philosophy

Forest schools trace their roots to Scandinavia’s 1950s friluftsliv movement which emphasizes outdoor living and learning. Founded in Denmark these programs spread across Europe before reaching North America in the 1990s. They focus on child-led learning risk-taking and building resilience through regular outdoor exposure.

Nature preschools emerged in the United States during the 1960s environmental movement. Inspired by traditional preschool models these programs blend structured early childhood education with nature-based activities. They emphasize environmental stewardship scheduled nature activities and seasonal curriculum planning.

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Core Educational Approaches

Forest schools prioritize unstructured play and exploration with minimal adult intervention. Your child spends 80-100% of their time outdoors regardless of weather using natural materials as learning tools. Teachers act as facilitators supporting children’s innate curiosity and risk assessment skills.

Nature preschools follow a hybrid model combining indoor and outdoor learning. Your child typically spends 30-50% of their time in nature with structured activities aligned to early learning standards. Teachers guide specific nature-based lessons while maintaining traditional preschool elements like circle time art projects and scheduled transitions.

Aspect	Forest Schools	Nature Preschools
Time Outdoors	80-100%	30-50%
Teaching Style	Child-led	Teacher-guided
Structure Level	Minimal	Moderate
Weather Policy	All-weather	Weather-dependent

Curriculum Structure and Learning Methods

Forest School Teaching Strategies

Forest schools use an emergent curriculum that follows children’s natural interests and curiosities. Teachers act as facilitators who observe and support rather than direct learning activities. The core teaching methods include:

• Child-led exploration with minimal adult intervention
• Risk-taking opportunities through supervised climbing climbing trees scaling hills
• Hands-on skill building like knot tying shelter building tool use
• Group discussions and reflection circles to process experiences
• Naturalist activities such as tracking animals identifying plants observing weather
• Unstructured free play that develops problem-solving abilities social skills

The curriculum adapts daily based on weather conditions seasonal changes and children’s emerging interests.

Nature Preschool Educational Framework

Nature preschools blend traditional early childhood education with nature-based learning through a more structured approach. Their curriculum typically includes:

• Planned nature activities tied to learning objectives
• Regular circle time for songs stories guided discussions
• Small group projects focused on science math literacy
• Art activities using natural materials like leaves pinecones clay
• Guided nature walks with specific learning goals
• Indoor classroom time for focused skill development
• Seasonal themes that connect indoor outdoor learning

Teachers create lesson plans that meet early learning standards while incorporating nature-based elements throughout the day.

Daily Activities and Student Engagement

The daily routines in forest schools and nature preschools showcase their distinct approaches to outdoor education while maintaining their core philosophies.

Forest School Activities

Forest school students spend their days immersed in child-led outdoor exploration. They build dens with sticks & ropes craft tools from natural materials & practice wilderness skills like fire-building (under supervision). Regular activities include climbing trees tracking animals collecting specimens & creating nature art. Teachers support discovery through “invisible teaching” letting children direct their learning while ensuring safety. Daily gatherings called “sit spots” allow students to observe seasonal changes & share discoveries with peers.

Nature Preschool Programs

Nature preschool days follow a more structured rhythm blending indoor & outdoor learning. Students participate in planned nature walks themed art projects & guided scientific observations. Morning circle time incorporates songs about nature seasonal stories & weather discussions. Indoor activities include sorting natural materials painting with earth pigments & maintaining classroom terrariums. Teachers lead small group activities like garden maintenance butterfly life cycle studies & weather tracking while maintaining connections to state early learning standards.

Physical Environment and Settings

The physical spaces where learning takes place significantly impact children’s educational experiences and development opportunities. These two models utilize distinct environmental setups to achieve their educational goals.

Forest School Locations

Forest schools operate in wild natural spaces like forests woodlands or meadows with minimal built structures. These locations feature varied terrain natural obstacles and diverse ecosystems that serve as both classroom and playground. Students learn in temporary shelters like tarps or basic wooden structures that provide weather protection while maintaining direct contact with nature. The learning environment typically includes:

• Natural climbing features like fallen logs and boulders
• Open spaces for running and group activities
• Dense vegetation for exploration and hideouts
• Water features such as streams or ponds
• Areas for fire circles and gathering spots

• Climate-controlled indoor classrooms with nature-themed learning centers
• Natural playgrounds with native plants and trees
• Garden areas for hands-on planting activities
• Outdoor pavilions or covered learning spaces
• Storage for outdoor gear and educational materials
• Safe boundaries and fenced exploration areas

Teacher Training and Qualifications

The certification requirements and qualifications for forest school and nature preschool educators reflect their distinct educational approaches and philosophies.

Forest School Certification Requirements

Forest school teachers must complete specialized Forest School Leader training programs that typically require 8-12 months of coursework. This certification includes wilderness first aid woodland management skills child development theory and risk assessment training. Teachers learn to facilitate child-led learning create emergent curriculum and maintain safety in outdoor environments. Most programs require 2-3 years of outdoor education experience and completion of at least Level 3 Forest School certification from recognized organizations like Forest School Association or Forest School Canada.

Nature Preschool Educator Standards

Nature preschool teachers need traditional early childhood education credentials such as a bachelor’s degree in ECE or related field plus specialized nature-based training. Most programs require state teaching certification CPR/first aid certification and 20-30 hours of annual professional development in environmental education. Teachers must demonstrate competency in both indoor classroom management and outdoor learning facilitation. Additional certifications from organizations like Natural Start Alliance or NAAEE enhance teaching qualifications and program credibility.

Safety Protocols and Risk Management

Forest School Safety Measures

Forest schools implement comprehensive risk-benefit assessments for outdoor activities while maintaining a balanced approach to calculated risk-taking. Teachers conduct daily site checks to identify potential hazards such as fallen branches loose rocks or wildlife presence. Safety protocols include:

• Setting clear physical boundaries using natural landmarks
• Maintaining small groups with 1:4-1:6 adult-child ratios
• Teaching proper tool handling for activities like whittling
• Establishing emergency procedures for extreme weather
• Requiring wilderness first aid certification for all staff
• Using call-back signals and buddy systems during exploration
• Conducting regular head counts and group check-ins

• Installing fenced natural playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment
• Following state-mandated indoor classroom safety standards
• Maintaining 1:8-1:10 teacher-student ratios
• Implementing weather safety policies with indoor alternatives
• Requiring staff CPR and basic first aid certification
• Using sign-in/sign-out procedures for transitions
• Conducting monthly safety drills for various scenarios
• Providing protective gear for outdoor activities like rain boots and sunhats

Parent Involvement and Community Connection

The role of parents and community engagement differs significantly between forest schools and nature preschools creating unique learning ecosystems for children.

Forest School Family Engagement

Forest schools embrace deep family participation through regular parent-child outdoor sessions. Parents join monthly forest activities like building shelters tracking animals and learning wilderness skills alongside their children. These schools organize seasonal celebrations where families gather for nature-based festivals community meals and collaborative projects. Parents often volunteer as activity leaders sharing specialized outdoor skills or cultural knowledge with the group. The model encourages families to extend learning by practicing bushcraft and nature exploration skills together at home.

Nature Preschool Community Integration

Nature preschools focus on structured community partnerships and environmental education initiatives. They coordinate with local nature centers parks departments and environmental organizations to enhance learning experiences. Regular field trips to botanical gardens farms and wildlife sanctuaries connect children to community resources. Parents participate through scheduled volunteer opportunities classroom nature projects and organized family nature nights. The programs often maintain community gardens host environmental education workshops and organize neighborhood cleanup events to promote ecological awareness.

Assessment Methods and Learning Outcomes

Forest School Evaluation Practices

Forest schools use observation-based assessment through detailed learning journals that document children’s natural development and skill progression. Teachers record students’ discoveries problem-solving approaches and social interactions through photos field notes and video documentation. The assessment focuses on four key areas: physical capabilities social skills emotional resilience and connection to nature. Progress tracking emphasizes individual growth rather than standardized benchmarks allowing each child to develop at their natural pace.

Nature Preschool Progress Tracking

Nature preschools implement a hybrid assessment approach that combines traditional developmental milestones with nature-based learning objectives. Teachers use portfolios containing work samples nature journals and structured observation forms to track progress in both academic and outdoor skills. Regular assessments measure specific competencies like scientific thinking environmental awareness fine motor development and social-emotional growth. These programs align their evaluation methods with state early learning standards while incorporating nature-specific achievements such as species identification seasonal awareness and outdoor safety skills.

Cost Considerations and Accessibility

When comparing forest schools and nature preschools the financial investment varies significantly based on program type location and available resources.

Forest School Investment

Forest schools typically cost $600-$900 per month for full-time enrollment. Operating costs remain lower due to minimal facility maintenance but require investment in:

• Quality outdoor gear and clothing for all weather conditions
• Specialized safety equipment and first aid supplies
• Higher staff-to-student ratios (1:4 to 1:6)
• Wilderness-trained educator salaries
• Land use permits or forest site rentals
• Portable shelter maintenance
• Transportation to remote locations

• Facility maintenance and utilities
• Indoor classroom materials and supplies
• Outdoor playground equipment
• Nature-based learning materials
• Standard preschool furniture and resources
• Staff certifications and continuing education
• Insurance and licensing fees
• Garden and outdoor learning space upkeep
• Traditional teacher salaries with nature education training

Choosing Between Forest Schools and Nature Preschools

Both forest schools and nature preschools offer unique approaches to outdoor education that can profoundly impact your child’s early development. Your choice between these programs will largely depend on your family’s values educational priorities and lifestyle needs.

Consider whether your child thrives in unstructured environments or benefits from more guided activities. Think about practical factors like your schedule requirements weather considerations and budget constraints.

Remember that regardless of which path you choose both models will help your child develop a meaningful connection with nature while building essential life skills. The key is selecting the program that best aligns with your child’s personality and your family’s educational philosophy.